Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games

This is the story of a boy born in South Sudan that overcomes many obstacles through life. He endures kidnapping, a refugee camp, and is blessed to end up in the US. Running is a major part of his life, but his faith in God is truly the one thing that keeps him focused. He believes God has placed every person in his life and every situation there for a reason.

The book does not have any graphic scenes, but situations are described in a way that you get the point. Lopez does a wonderful job explaining everything from his childhood, his experience in coming to the US, learning about very basic things that we take for granted (such as a light switch), and his road to achieving his goals.

The narrator grew on me. At first I felt like he made the story feel somewhat 'simple.' But not long into the book I realized Lopez was young and mostly uneducated while in Africa (and when he first came to the US), so I grew an appreciation for the narrator.

I highly recommend this book. I didn't have a favorite part of the book, because the entire book is so good

The book inspired me to evaluate what I'm doing (and not doing) in my life, and to appreciate things like being able to flip a switch to turn off the lights.

Lopez tells his story in a way that you can't pick just one memorable moment! ALL of them are memorable. He paints the picture of his life in a way that you can see him moving through it.

When Lopez started describing his first days with his US family, and describing his thoughts at seeing his new house, I was laughing and crying at the same time. Even after so many years, you can still hear the gratitude in his words.

I have read as many books on Sudan, South Sudan, and by South Sudanese refugees as I can find! THIS is now one of my absolute favorites. Lopez describes his transition to the United States SO WELL. I think for many of us Americans, even those of us who have traveled to other countries, it's still hard for us to imagine what exactly it must be like to adjust to life here when you've never slept on a soft bed, or you don't know how to use a light switch! Lopez made that transition come alive for me in this book.

The narrator, Brandon Hirsch, did a fabulous job!!! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I wish that Lopez had performed it himself. But it's still a fantastic performance of a book that inspired me more than I can really express!

This was a great story from beginning to end. It even inspired me to run more. If I could change anything though, I wish the narrator had more of an African accent.

Yes. It's amazing that someone can come so far. That someone can so strongly aspire to help and encourage people who feel downtrodden, helpless and less deserving than other people. No one is below anyone else and everyone deserves an equal chance even though they themselves may not believe so, he attempts to let people know they deserve any chance they can dream of and are willing to never give up and work hard. Although the people who he writes about may not get a chance to read this story it can inspire someone to want to help in such a way that may one day enable them to read this book and have access to it. I have read another rather recent book that describes how some aid workers seem to take for granted what they have available while attempting to assist these people. Maybe this book may help them realise just how privileged they are even while working within poverty stricken and illness "infested" areas. Where he describes where these people stay, how they live and what they have access to in the refugee camp while refugees struggle yet survive on the bare minimum. Maybe a friend will be as touched by this book and recommend it and it can be recommended to others and more people become aware of these people's plight. It is not only in the areas mentioned in the book, maybe people may take interest and be inspired to help other organisations in other countries too. Many people helping in a small way amounts to help in a big way.

I'm not sure if I would compare a book to this in the way of an inspirational story of one persons struggles but in "Dark Star Safari" there is evidence of and discussions surrounding the current and past plight of many of the African countries, as well as the diminishing and limited education opportunities and facilities.

I cried so much, it is narrated with passion and read as if he himself faced what is discussed in the book. He makes the story his own. I wouldn't have been able to picture it in as emotional way as he makes it.

Why I run but never ran away

This is my favourite book in a long long time. From the moment I started reading - I could not stop. I am sad now that it is over. Lopez has an amazing story. It is told in a light hearted way that had me laughing and crying.

Yes. What Lopez went through to "begin" is life was amazing. I couldn't stop listening!

One of my favorite memoirs I have read or listened to! I loved the hopeful and thankful spin he had on everything!

I loved how he could go through such a horrific event so early in his life and remain so hopeful and truly joyous! It inspired me so much!

My favorite scene was probably when he came to America and learned how to live again and what love was, thanks to his new parents. It was funny and so inspiring at the same time! Loved it!

It made me really want to join him on his project to help Sudan recover! It made me want to do something to help his cause and the people there!

It was truly a great book!

Yes! This story was so incredibly real and inspiring. It gave me the wake up call to be more grateful for what I have and the push to help others that struggle in life.

So many things I liked best.....I just couldn't stop listening. I actually looked forward to my time off so I could listen to this book.

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YES!!!!!!!

I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Definitely enjoyed the book. It is a very gripping story of overcoming huge obstacles and odds, about choosing to be optimistic and not dwell on negative experiences, and about faith in God.

This story reminds me to be grateful for what we have, to continue to work hard in what we do, and despite any failures we can always try just "one more time". I've seen him run a couple of times on TV, including the Olympics. But after reading his story, I've officially become a fan of this man. After all that he's been through and to be where he's at today just proves that anything is possible. If you have any interest in the Lost Boys of Sudan, running, or just need a novel for motivation....this is for you. Not to mention that the reader tells the story as if it was his.